Massage has been used for thousands of years as a healing method, and it still is today. It can help with various ailments, from arthritis to headaches and sports injuries. Massage therapy also helps patients recover more quickly after surgeries and other medical procedures that can leave them in pain or discomfort.
There are several great reasons to study massage therapy, but the most important one is that it’s a great way to help people feel better—and maybe even get them back on their feet again. Massage therapy can also be an excellent way for you to work on your personal development and help others develop.
If you love helping others or want an exciting job that will pay well and give you plenty of flexibility, massage therapy may be the right choice for you.
Consider studying massage therapy at one of the reputable schools in Minnesota listed below if this interests you.
Saint Paul College
Three programs are available for aspiring professionals at SPC, a prominent community college. The Commission has sanctioned these programs on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
More than 600 hours of coursework are required to earn a massage therapist certificate. A second qualification in clinical sports massage is available to graduates who continue their studies for an additional 600 hours. The school also provides a 2-year degree in therapeutic sports massage.
Medical program innovations begin with student patient assessments. The curriculum provides students with hands-on training in anatomy and physiology and technical skills such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, sports massage, hot stone therapy, and more.
Website: https://www.saintpaul.edu/programs/massage-therapy
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls’s public institution with a massage treatment program is on the Wadena side. The 34-credit curriculum includes several electives that can be taken online.
Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, chair massage, sports massage, and integrative massage are all included, as are facial and abdominal massage and massage for pregnant women and the elderly. Hydrotherapy, treatment planning, nutrition, health, professional ethics, and business ethics are some topics covered in other courses.
The campus evening clinic allows students to put their daytime classroom learning into practice. Students get hands-on training under the watchful eye of their professors at the clinic, which is also open in the evenings to accommodate students with jobs and families.
Website: https://www.minnesota.edu/programs-and-degrees/massage-therapy
Riverland Community College
Riverland Community College is a community college located in Austin, Minnesota. The school provides students with various courses, including massage therapy. They offer the courses leading to certification as a massage therapist or bodyworker by the Nationally Certified Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers (NCMTB).
The degree can be earned in 12 months if students commit to the program full-time (736 hours).
Topics include stress management, massage for specific populations, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, chair massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupressure, ear candling, cupping, spa treatments, and professional communication skills. Students provide massages to the public.
In addition, applicants must take a test to determine whether or not they have a learning disability in either mathematics or language. All incoming students are required to have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
Website: https://www.riverland.edu/academics/programs/massage-therapy-cert/description/
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Education in natural healthcare at Northwestern Health Science University is extensive and grounded in scientific facts. Students in massage therapy often take classes at the same institutions as those studying chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, and acupuncture. In addition, students at NWHSU get the skills they’ll need to work effectively with teams of other providers in healthcare settings and hospitals through the university’s emphasis on a collaborative approach to patient-focused health. In particular, the NWHSU massage therapy curriculum emphasizes holistic, drug-free, non-invasive care.
Students can practice what they learn in the classroom at student and public clinics. Medical students learn by treating actual patients under the supervision of licensed professionals. Students at NWHSU get twice as many clinical hours to take board exams.
Website: https://www.nwhealth.edu/academics/school-of-massage-therapy/
Ridgewater College
This public community college in Willmar offers two massage therapy programs.
The school offers a 30-credit diploma program that prepares students to become certified massage therapists (CMTs). Students will learn anatomy and physiology and how to perform massage techniques properly.
However, to acquire the same 60-credit associate in applied science degree, students attend the same required courses, electives, and general education classes.
Students from both programs work side-by-side in the Student Massage Center. The college has a perfect record of getting jobs.
Professional Massage Academy
In an innovative twist, the Professional Massage Academy combines virtual and in-person learning for its massage therapy programs.
The flexible schedule of this cutting-edge program allows you to study and practice at your own pace. You can complete your goals at your own pace and time.
But the theory, demonstration, and practical application skills necessary to successfully provide professional massage treatments are all covered in massage therapy courses.
Although the curriculum is primarily Western in orientation, it provides some exposure to Eastern modes and skills.
Website: https://theprofessionalmassageacademy.com/curriculum/
Lake Superior College
Duluth’s community college has the state of Minnesota’s third-lowest tuition rates. The massage therapy diploma is just one of more than 90 offered courses.
The program requires more than 600 hours of study time and 31 credits to complete in less than a year. The program is designed to provide you with an advanced level of knowledge and skills in the field, as well as integrate your experience with theory. Stress management, hydrotherapy, neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage, somatic approaches, business planning, and full-body and chair massage are just some topics covered in these courses.
Students also learn prenatal massage, massage for older people, infant massage, and sports massage. Both students and professionals can use the school’s student clinic and continuing education programs.
Website: https://www.lsc.edu/community/massage-therapy-program/
Aveda Institute-Minneapolis
This institution’s proprietors run campuses throughout the United States, including one in Minneapolis. After studying massage therapy for 18 weeks and completing 600 hours of coursework, students are awarded certificates.
The methodology of the program is based on Ayurvedic principles. Wellness, business, retail, flower/plant essences, reflexology, aromatherapy, and more are all covered. Students employ more than 90% organic components in their projects.
Approximately 75% of graduates find work in their chosen sector. Career days and self-promotion lessons are two ways the school prepares students for the workforce.
Website: https://avedaarts.edu/programs/massage-therapy/
Ohana School of Massage
Massage therapy experts are in high demand. There is a rising tide of discontent with the conventional medical establishment, leading many to seek alternative, more natural approaches to health and wellness.
Massage therapy offers pain relief, reduces stress, boosts immunity, and more. Get out of school and into a fulfilling career.
You can get all you need to launch a successful career in massage therapy with the 625-hour massage therapy program.
They believe that they can make the world a better, happier place by positively affecting others’ lives.
One of the trickiest parts of starting a new course of study is finding the money to pay for it.
Ohana School of Massage has various payment plans to help you succeed academically without debt.
Website: https://www.ohanaschoolofmassage.com/about
CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic
Four MT programs, including one leading to an associate of applied science degree, are available at this Minneapolis, Minnesota, for-profit institution.
The 1,350-hour AAS program prepares students for national certification. It can be completed in 20 months if you study full-time or 28 if you study part-time. Flexible daytime and nighttime hours are offered. Massage and Shiatsu are covered throughout the students’ clinical rotations.
Shiatsu and therapeutic massage are both 900-hour programs leading to a diploma. A massage therapist can get certified after completing 600 hours of training. Each course focuses on advanced methods, Shiatsu, TCM, massage for particular populations, and professional growth.
Website: https://www.centerpointmn.com/
Why Should You Pursue Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is an excellent choice for people who want to make a difference in the lives of others by helping them feel better physically and mentally. Many people experience stress from their jobs or schoolwork, and regular massages can help reduce this stress and improve overall health. A good massage therapist will use their hands to manipulate the person’s muscles and joints to help relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by injury or illness.
Massage therapy is also an excellent option for those who want to earn money while helping others feel better physically and mentally. The colleges discussed in this article are perfect options for anyone wishing to become a registered massage therapist in Minnesota.